The Women’s Classic Softshell is tailored specifically for female riders and has side panels to give the jacket a structured shape. The sleeves are designed to increase range of movement. A rubberized pad on the left shoulder keeps bag straps stable when riding and seams have been positioned to prevent them from chafing. Both shoulders are edged with reflective grey piping, as are the collar and sleeves.

The full-length zip has a reverse coil for a cleaner finish, a fleece-lined chin guard and a lockdown puller to eliminate rattles. A bite grip on the collar enables easy zip adjustment on the move and zipped vents under both arms help ventilation.

Three large cargo pockets make the jacket ideal for training rides and the centre pocket has a pump sleeve stitched inside. The right-hand pocket has a buttonhole for an iPod cable and an additional valuables pocket has easy-to-use zip puller.

When conditions turn nasty, the jacket’s fold-out storm tail has a saddle grip to keep it in place and a reflective Rapha logo for visibility. Rapha’s trademark left armband has a black embroidered logo and the inside of the jacket has contrast pink details. These include cable routing loops, a draw cord with friction locks and a hanging loop.